Today, Oct. 3, 2018, law enforcement officials from the Michigan State Police and the Attorney General’s Office executed a search warrant in all seven Catholic dioceses of Michigan, including the Diocese of Marquette. Files were removed from the offices and archives of the Diocese of Marquette. The search warrants were executed as part of the Michigan Attorney General’s recently announced statewide investigation into clergy sexual abuse. The Diocese of Marquette is fully cooperating with authorities and welcomes the investigation.

Since 2002, the diocese follows the procedures set forth in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which was adopted by the U.S. Catholic bishops to address the problem of child and youth sexual abuse by clergy. Audited annually, the diocese was found to be in compliance with the Charter in 2017, the most recent year.

During the audit period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, more than 2,300 children and youth received training in safe environment awareness through Catholic schools and parishes in the diocese. Also, 654 diocesan, parish and school employees and volunteers received continuing education in the prevention of child and youth sexual abuse.

All employees and volunteers in the Diocese of Marquette, over the age of 18, must have a current criminal background check on file with the diocese, along with the VIRTUS safe environment training.